The Dress

I fell in love with and bought this Pronovias "Pravina" wedding dress in 2016 at the New Bond Street store in London for our wedding and had it made to measure (from a size 10 base). The fit and flare style creates such a dramatic effect, the belt sits low which is super flattering because it elongates your waist, the bodice is very sturdy and shaping, it is beautiful ivory mikado silk fabric - and best of all - IT HAS POCKETS!!!! This was great on the day because I could carry a tissue and my lipstick without having to keep pestering my bridesmaids, and it gave me something to do with my hands whenever I felt self conscious.

I chose the cut away/racer design for the back because I thought it made a refreshing change to the low backs and means you can wear a strapless bra if you want to. The buttons are real (my poor husband was not impressed by this at the end of the night). I had the best time ever in this dress and felt like Audrey Hepburn in it. Alas we have a small house, which is now rapidly filling up with baby stuff so with regret I'm passing it on to be enjoyed by someone else.

It has been professionally cleaned by Timpson wedding dress cleaning service, stored hanging up inside the bag, in a pet and smoke free (and fake tan free!) home. Still in the original Pronovias dress bag.

I also bought the Pronovias petticoat which goes with the dress, it cost me £150 but I will include it for free.

Alterations: I ordered the UK size 10 but did lose a bit of weight and had it taken in, so I'd say it is more of a 8-10. I am 5' 5" but wore high heels and it was also still a bit long for me.

Condition: I paid for the full premium Timpsons wedding dress cleaning service. They told me that they cleaned it 3 times to get all the marks out and were thrilled by how well it has come up. It is perfect to the naked eye unless you really get up close and examine it, but if you do there are a few faint watermark looking marks right at the bottom. Nothing noticeable, but I can send more pictures if helpful. The dress has a million layers and the bottom of the lining inside is a bit ragged. This can't be seen from the outside and again, very happy to send more pics. I've reflected this in the price, which is a 3rd of what I paid, plus the petticoat.